Seasonal Depression Symptoms
SAD is characterised by sadness or a decline in enjoyment of everyday activities. They may lose interest with friends and family members and sleep less, or have difficulty waking up. They also crave carbohydrates, which gives the body immediate energy.
In the fall and winter can affect the brain pathways that help regulate mood. Some sufferers experience mild symptoms, while others experience symptoms that are severe enough to affect relationships and at work.
Treatment
The good news is that treatment options are readily available. People with SAD can benefit from psychotherapy, light therapy and medications. They can also make simple changes that can help relieve their symptoms and improve their mood.
SAD can be mild, moderate or even severe. It can trigger changes in an individual's energy levels, appetite and concentration. Some people suffering from SAD might be more angry and irritable often. They may also have trouble concentrating and making decisions. Certain people with SAD have difficulty sleeping, which can lead to fatigue throughout the daytime. The change of seasons can trigger symptoms of SAD. severe depression physical symptoms Iampsychiatry in the fall and winter may alter a person's biological rhythms. It can decrease serotonin levels and increase Melatonin levels. This may cause sleepiness and cause depression.
People with SAD report feeling sad or down at a certain time of the year. These symptoms usually occur in winter or the fall and they are more comfortable in spring. In summer, they can also experience episodes where they feel elated or high. SAD sufferers may have more depression-related episodes. SAD is often confused with other mood disorders. It is essential to get an assessment from a medical provider.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for SAD. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals to challenge and alter negative thoughts. CBT for SAD concentrates on replacing negative thoughts associated with the season with more helpful ones. It also helps people find enjoyable activities to combat the loss of interest they typically have in the winter or summer.
It's unclear what the effectiveness of herbal remedies or supplements are for SAD. Many dietary and herbal supplements aren't controlled in the similar way medicines are. They can cause serious problems when they interact with prescription drugs. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any herbal or dietary supplements.
Medication
The symptoms of seasonal depression disorder are more serious than just a few "winter blues." Your GP can identify and treat these symptoms when you experience them each year at the same time. Treatment options include psychotherapy, light therapy and medications.
Many people who suffer from winter-pattern SAD experience depression-like episodes that come and go throughout the year in the fall and winter. These episodes can be accompanied by a lack energy and appetite and a desire for food that is starchy and sleep disturbances, as well as weight growth. These symptoms can cause you to feel hopeless, despair and even suicidal in extreme cases.
Some people with SAD may benefit from taking bupropion, a dopamine inhibitor. This medication helps balance your serotonin levels and dopamine levels to reduce the likelihood of becoming irritable and lethargic. This is a relatively new kind of antidepressant that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of SAD.
Your doctor will recommend the most effective medication for you based on your specific symptoms and severity. They will likely recommend that you start antidepressants before the symptoms of seasonality usually begin every year, and keep taking them until spring. Based on your specific symptoms they might also suggest that you use a lightbox or lamp to mimic sunlight and encourage the release of serotonin.
It's important to know that while many people with SAD feel a lack of vitamin D however, there is no evidence that this is the cause of their condition. You can improve your health by consuming a healthy diet and spending enough time outdoors in the sunlight.
SAD can be extremely challenging and the symptoms can seem to last for a long period of time. It is crucial to understand that there are a variety of treatments for this condition. With the help of your GP you can get rid of symptoms and get back to regular life. For more information on seasonal affective disorder and other mental health conditions, visit the Health Matters blog(link opens in a new window) at NewYork-Presbyterian.
Cognitive behavior therapy
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that manifests in the winter and fall and improves during spring and summer. It is caused by changes in sunlight exposure and biological rhythms that can disrupt sleep, eating, mood and behavior. The treatment for seasonal depression is with antidepressants, cognitive therapy and light therapy.
Researchers aren't quite sure what causes SAD. They believe that less sunlight triggers chemical changes in the brain which lead to depression. SAD patients are more likely than other people to suffer from other mental conditions, such as major depression or bipolar disorder. They could also be at risk due to a family history of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia or depression.
People suffering from winter-pattern SAD generally have lower levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which regulates mood. Low levels of this chemical can cause sleep problems and focusing, as well as being sad. People with summer-related SAD might have lower levels of melatonin, which can alter sleep patterns and cause depression-related symptoms.
SAD symptoms include sadness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and a decrease in interest in the things you usually enjoy. In some instances you may withdraw from friends and family during the cold, dark months or lose weight to deal with your negative emotions. You may also begin to feel suicidal and this is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
Talk therapy can help SAD sufferers recover from depression through the modification of unhealthy thought patterns and behavior. During sessions, your therapist might ask you questions and encourage you to be aware of how you respond to stressful situations. Together, you'll work to find new ways to deal with these situations.
Psychotherapy is most effective when it's customized to a specific issue, such as SAD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most promising treatments available for SAD. It was created by Aaron Beck, a psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1960s, CBT is based on Albert Ellis' rational emotive behavior therapy and focuses on changing harmful patterns of "emotional reasoning" that lead to depression.
Light therapy
Many people feel tired, slow and depressed when the seasons change. These symptoms are more serious than the "winter's blues" and may lead to depression, which is also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you suffer from this disorder, a few simple lifestyle changes and the help of psychotherapy or medication could alleviate your symptoms and bring your mood to normal.
Bright light therapy, also known as phototherapy, has been shown to help alleviate symptoms of SAD, as well as other conditions that affect your mood. The daily use of a light box or specialized full-spectrum light in the early morning hours can alleviate your symptoms. Light therapy helps increase your production of serotonin, a natural chemical that boosts your mood and helps you stay alert. It also helps prevent the decline in your circadian clock, which is the internal clock in your body that regulates sleep cycles.
The most effective results for SAD can be achieved by using an instrument that emits 10,000 lux of bright white light, roughly the same brightness as being outside on clear days in July. Your doctor may suggest that you stand or sit in front of the device for 30 minutes per day, starting in the morning.
If you suffer from eye strain or headaches, you can adjust the intensity and distance between the light source and your. Make sure you use a light box that has a filter that blocks harmful ultraviolet radiation. These radiations can cause damage to your skin and eyes. You can purchase a lightbox from your healthcare provider, or find one on the internet. Just make sure that it is medically approved to treat SAD.
It is essential to inform your healthcare professional that you suffer from bipolar disorder or another mental health issue, as in some individuals bright light therapy or antidepressants could trigger a manic episode. These risks can be mitigated through these treatments under the guidance of a psychiatrist.